Positions, record and controversies

Energy Independence

Heinrich believes that previous governmental efforts for energy innovation has failed; therefore, he suggests the Apollo Project for Energy Independence. This project entails devising solutions and collaborating among various sectors, such as federal and state governments; private industry labor; non-profit research organizations; and colleges and universities. He seeks to create 3 million, high-paying "green collar" jobs. His energy plan also includes penalizing oil speculators, drilling onshore and offshore reserves in the Unites States to reduce gas prices, eliminating tax breaks for large oil companies as per President George W. Bush's policy and allocate that money toward a permanent middle class tax break and investments in renewable energy, continuing funding for national research and development labs for nuclear power, and investigating the potential of geothermal energy.[1]

Helping Working Families

Heinrich wants to increase the national minimum wage to compensate for inflation. When he was President of the Albuquerque, Heinrich helped to increase Albuquerque's minimum wage to $7.50. He also proposes to stop rewarding companies that outsource jobs to low-wage countries. Heinrich also proposes tax cuts for the middle class and a repeal of President Bush's tax give-away to the wealthy.[2]

Affordable Health Care

Heinrich disapproves of the extremely high cost of health care. He wants every American to have access to purchase high-quality, affordable health care. He is willing to confront big insurance companies in order to further the cause.[3]

The War in Iraq

He believes in utilizing diplomatic relations with countries in the Middle East to help bring the U.S. troops home. Upon returning back to the United States, soldiers should receive the health care and benefits that are afforded to them. Heinrich also calls for Congress to confidently address the President when he vetoes, for example, spending bills because he is looking for a time table; Congress should send the bill immediately back to him.[4]

Protecting Our Environment

He appreciates the openness and cleanliness of the environment in New Mexico. He has previously worked to maintain these areas for future preservation. For example, he assisted in naming the Ojito Wilderness as a protection area, protected two new Open Space properties in the Sandia Mountains, and contributed to defending the Valle Vidal from the Bush administration's attempts to claim it.[5]

Cleaning Up Washington

Heinrich insists upon improving the ethics in Washington politics. He also believes that corporate lobbyists are damaging, and that the true voice of the people must be heard so that government can correctly and effectively do its job.[6]

A Middle Class Tax Cut

Reforming the tax code is a priority for Heinrich. The middle class should receive a permanent tax cut. A large tax cut would be granted to individuals and couples earning less than $250,000. Small business should also be given tax breaks. Through tax credits, Heinrich will reward small businesses that offer health and wellness programs to their employee; he wants to make sure that business can cover the costs of providing healthcare. Furthermore, he plans to continue the work of Tom Udall and Jeff Bingaman and try to prolong the Wind Production Tax Credit to encourage investment in New Mexico's renewable energy economy.[7]

Bio

Martin Heinrich was born on October 17, 1971 in Fallon, Nevada. Soon, his working class parents moved to a small town in Missouri where his father worked as an IBEW lineman and his mother worked in a factory. Heinrich earned a Bachelor of Science and Engineering degree from the University of Missouri and has taken several graduate courses in the University of New Mexico's Community and Regional Planning program. Immediately after graduating college, the first decision Martin made as an adult was to make New Mexico his home.

Heinrich began his career as an AmeriCorps volunteer. He founded a small consulting firm that served not-for-profit and education clients. He served as the Executive Director of a not-for-profit organization, the Cottonwood Gulch Foundation, that is dedicated to providing young people with natural science and environmental education experiences through wilderness expeditions. And, he served as Governor Bill Richardson's Natural Resources Trustee.

Heinrich was elected to the Albuquerque City Council in 2003. He served a term as City Council President. During his time on the city council, Heinrich successfully spearheaded an effort to raise the city's minimum wage. He also guided legislation through the council that cracked down on crime, protected open spaces and ensured smart growth.

2008 Election

Heinrich was the Democratic nominee in the race to replace Rep. Heather Wilson (R-N.M.) in the 2008 congressional elections.[8][9][10]. Heinrich defeated Republican challenger Darren White in November 2008 general elections. [11]

Money in politics

This section contains links to – and feeds from – money in politics databases.

Campaign contributions

The following is drawn from government records of campaign contributions to Martin Heinrich. Campaign contributions are one of the most direct conduits for influencing members of Congress. How to use this information. <crpcontribdata>cid=N00029835&cycle=2008</crpcontribdata>